Dr. Hind Ibork | Brain Metabolism | Best Researcher Award

Faculty of sciences, Genomic of Human Pathologies Research Centre, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco

Hind Ibork is an emerging neuroscientist with a strong foundation in neuropharmacology and cellular neuroscience. Currently a PhD candidate in Neuroscience and Pharmacology at Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco, she has developed a compelling research focus on the role of the cannabinoid system in modulating astrocytic mitochondrial metabolism under neuroinflammatory conditions. Her work sits at the intersection of neurobiology, pharmacology, and metabolic regulation, which places her among a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers. She has presented her findings at several high-impact conferences and published in reputable international journals. Hind’s work is distinguished not only by its relevance to neuroinflammatory disorders but also by its translational potential in the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting cannabinoid pathways. She has been awarded competitive grants, such as the ISN-CAEN travel grant and ISN-Advanced School Travel Award, which highlight the international recognition of her research excellence. Moreover, she has honed a diverse set of technical and analytical skills that bolster her capacity for cutting-edge scientific inquiry. Hind’s scholarly journey reflects a balance of academic rigor, research innovation, and cross-cultural scientific engagement, making her a strong candidate for honors such as the Best Researcher Award in Neuroscience.

Professional Profile

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Education

Hind Ibork’s educational trajectory is marked by consistency and excellence across several academic disciplines related to biological and pharmaceutical sciences. She is currently concluding her PhD in Neuroscience and Pharmacology at Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco, where her research explores the role of the cannabinoid system in astrocytic metabolism during neuroinflammation. Her doctoral work demonstrates a sophisticated integration of molecular neuroscience, pharmacological intervention, and metabolic regulation. Hind holds a Master’s degree (2018–2020) in Analysis and Quality Control of Drugs and Plant-based Health Products from the same university. This provided her with a robust foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and natural product chemistry. Her academic grounding began with a Bachelor’s degree (2016–2017) in Biotechnology, Hygiene, and Food Safety from Mohammed ben Abdellah University in Fez, Morocco, preceded by a Technical University Diploma (2014–2016) in Bio-industrial Engineering. These degrees reflect a strong interdisciplinary command of biotechnology, pharmacognosy, and applied research. Additionally, she obtained a TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) certificate in 2016, confirming her fluency in French, which supports her international collaborations. Hind’s formal education not only reflects academic achievement but also progressive specialization toward high-impact biomedical research.

Professional Experience

Hind Ibork’s professional experience complements her academic accomplishments with practical applications in neuropharmacological research. As a doctoral researcher, she has been deeply engaged in laboratory-based experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication since 2020. She has worked under the Physiology and Physiopathology Team at the Genomic of Human Pathologies Research Centre at Mohammed V University, Rabat. Hind has actively participated in supervising undergraduate projects, such as the exploration of cannabinoid receptors in energy metabolism and anti-inflammatory therapy (2021), and has conducted practical animal physiology sessions for license students. These experiences reflect her capability in both scientific mentorship and education. Furthermore, her prestigious three-month internship in 2024 at the NeuroCentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, Bordeaux, France, allowed her to investigate the effects of cannabidiol on neuron-astrocyte interactions. She has also been selected for and participated in multiple IBRO and international neuroscience schools between 2022 and 2023, which added international depth to her training. These engagements demonstrate not only technical and academic maturity but also her ability to collaborate across cultural and disciplinary lines. Hind’s rich professional exposure enhances her potential as a leading figure in cannabinoid and neuroinflammatory research.

Research Interests

Hind Ibork’s research interests are deeply rooted in neuroscience, neuroinflammation, and pharmacological modulation of brain metabolism. Her primary research focus lies in understanding how the cannabinoid system, particularly through agents like cannabidiol (CBD), regulates astrocytic mitochondrial metabolism under inflammatory conditions. This line of inquiry is particularly relevant given the growing interest in neuroimmune interactions and their role in disorders such as neurodegeneration, chronic pain, and psychiatric illnesses. Hind is also invested in the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds and natural products in modulating neural function. Her doctoral research explores the astrocyte-neuron metabolic relationship and the impact of CB1 receptors during inflammatory insults, offering insights into energy regulation and neuroprotection. Her broader scientific curiosity extends to behavioral neuroscience, toxicology, and cannabinoid receptor pharmacodynamics. Hind’s work is inherently translational, aiming to bridge experimental findings in animal and cellular models with potential clinical applications. Her interdisciplinary approach places her at the cutting edge of modern neuropharmacology, where traditional neurobiology converges with systems pharmacology and bioenergetics. She continues to seek knowledge through international training programs and collaborative research, underscoring her commitment to expanding the boundaries of our understanding of brain health and disease.

Research Skills

Hind Ibork possesses a broad and advanced set of technical research skills that support her dynamic work in neuroscience and pharmacology. She is proficient in critical laboratory techniques, including metabolic analysis using Seahorse Metabolic Bioanalyzer XFe24, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and behavioral testing in animal models. Her ability to isolate and culture primary astrocytes and establish neuron-astrocyte co-culture systems has been central to her investigations into neuroinflammation and cellular metabolism. She is adept in live imaging microscopy and uses fluorescent biosensors to track brain cell metabolism in real-time. Hind is also skilled in statistical data analysis using software like GraphPad Prism and SPSS, which enhances the reliability and interpretability of her experimental results. For scientific visualization and communication, she uses Adobe Illustrator and ImageJ. Her technical acumen is complemented by her fluency in Arabic, French, and English, allowing her to navigate multilingual scientific collaborations with ease. Furthermore, her experience in supervising practical courses and guiding undergraduate research reflects her ability to translate complex scientific methodologies into educational contexts. Hind’s versatile research toolkit enables her to tackle diverse and complex questions in neuroscience, positioning her as a technically competent and innovative researcher.

Awards and Honors

Hind Ibork has received several prestigious accolades that reflect her scientific promise and international recognition in the field of neuroscience. Most notably, she was awarded the ISN-CAEN Travel Grant (Category 1A) in 2024 by the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN), a highly competitive honor that supported her internship at the INSERM U1215 laboratory in Bordeaux, France. This grant is awarded based on scientific excellence, the novelty of research proposals, and the anticipated impact on a candidate’s scientific career. In 2025, she received the ISN-Advanced School Travel Award, which covers full participation costs for the ISN-ASN meeting in New York, USA, further solidifying her international standing. These awards underscore her academic merit, innovative research, and engagement with the global scientific community. Additionally, her consistent selection for competitive international neuroscience schools (IBRO and others) between 2021 and 2024 is testament to her reputation among elite young scientists. These honors are not only acknowledgments of her research productivity but also of her collaborative spirit and drive for continued academic excellence. They reflect the high level of trust placed in her scientific judgment and potential by respected international neuroscience bodies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hind Ibork stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her academic background is comprehensive and interdisciplinary, spanning biotechnology, pharmacology, and neuroscience. Professionally, she has demonstrated consistent research productivity and scientific leadership through active participation in collaborative projects, international training, and mentorship. Her research is both innovative and impactful, focusing on the cannabinoid system’s role in astrocytic metabolism during neuroinflammatory processes—an area with significant clinical relevance. Hind’s technical capabilities are expansive and up to date, encompassing cell culture, metabolic assays, behavioral studies, and sophisticated imaging techniques. She has also received significant international recognition through competitive awards and fellowships, which affirm the quality and promise of her work. Areas for potential improvement could include deeper engagement in translational or clinical studies and expanding her leadership role in multicentric projects. Nonetheless, her research contributions are substantial, and her drive for scientific advancement is evident. With her unique blend of scientific acumen, technical expertise, and international visibility, Hind Ibork embodies the qualities of an outstanding early-career researcher and is a commendable contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her future in neuroscience research is both promising and inspiring.

Publications Top Notes

1. Title: Cannabidiol‐Rich Cannabis sativa L. Extract Alleviates LPS‐Induced Neuroinflammation Behavioral Alterations, and Astrocytic Bioenergetic Impairment in Male Mice
   Authors: Hind Ibork, Zakaria Ait Lhaj, Khadija Boualam, Sara El Idrissi, Ahmet B. Ortaakarsu, Lhoussain Hajji, Annabelle Manalo Morgan, Farid Khallouki, Khalid Taghzouti, Oualid Abboussi
   Year: 2025
   Source: Journal of Neuroscience Research
   DOI: 10.1002/jnr.70035

2. Title: Cannabis sativa L. essential oil: Chemical composition, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial properties, and acute toxicity: In vitro, in vivo, and in silico study
   Authors: El-Mernissi R., El Menyiy N., Moubachir R., Zouhri A., El-Mernissi Y., Siddique F., Nadeem S., Ibork H., El Barnossi A., Wondmie G.F., et al.
   Year: 2024
   Source: Open Chemistry
   DOI: 10.1515/chem-2023-0214

3. Title: CB2 agonist mitigates cocaine-induced reinstatement of place preference and modulates the inflammatory response in mice
   Authors: Abboussi O., Khan Z.A., Ibork H., Zulu S.S., Daniels W., Taghzouti K., Hales T.G.
   Year: 2024
   Source: Behavioural Pharmacology
   DOI: 10.1097/FBP.0000000000000759

4. Title: Mentha rotundifolia (L.) Huds. and Salvia officinalis L. hydrosols mitigate aging related comorbidities in rats
   Authors: Boualam K., Ibork H., Lahboub Z., Sobeh M., Taghzouti K.
   Year: 2024
   Source: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
   DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1365086

5. Title: Cannabidiol-rich Cannabis sativa L. Extract Alleviates LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation in Male Mice: Computational Inference with Deep Learning Approach
   Authors: Hind Ibork, Zakaria Ait Lhaj, Khadija Boualam, Sara El Idrissi, Ahmet Ortaakarsu, Lhoussain Hajji, Annabelle Morgan, Farid Khallouki, Khalid Taghzouti, Oualid Abboussi
   Year: 2024 (Preprint)
   Source: Preprint
   DOI: 10.22541/au.172481353.33736165/v1

6. Title: Bioactive strawberry fruit (Arbutus unedo L.) extract remedies paraquat-induced neurotoxicity in the offspring prenatally exposed rats
   Authors: Ait Lhaj Z., Ibork H., El Idrissi S., Ait Lhaj F., Sobeh M., Mohamed W.M.Y., Alamy M., Taghzouti K., Abboussi O.
   Year: 2023
   Source: Frontiers in Neuroscience
   DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1244603

7. Title: Cannabinoid receptor CB2 agonist attenuates cocaine-induced reinstatement of place preference in mice: Possible role for microglia immunometabolism
   Authors: Abboussi O., Khan Z.A., Ibork H., Zulu S.S., Daniels W., Taghzouti K., Hales T.G.
   Year: 2023
   Source: Research Square
   DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2483808/v1

8. Title: Effect of Cannabidiol in LPS-induced toxicity in astrocytes: Possible role for cannabinoid type-1 receptors
   Authors: Ibork H., El Idrissi S., Zulu S.S., Miller R., Hajji L., Morgan A.M., Taghzouti K., Abboussi O.
   Year: 2023
   Source: Research Square
   DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2514838/v1

9. Title: Restraint Stress Exacerbates Apoptosis in a 6-OHDA Animal Model of Parkinson Disease
   Authors: Idrissi S.E., Fath N., Ibork H., Taghzouti K., Alamy M., Abboussi O.
   Year: 2023
   Source: Neurotoxicity Research
   DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00630-3

10. Title: Effect of Cannabidiol in LPS-Induced Toxicity in Astrocytes: Possible Role for Cannabinoid Type-1 Receptors
    Authors: Hind Ibork, Sara El Idrissi, Simo Siyanda Zulu, Robert Miller, Lhoussain Hajji, Annabelle Manalo Morgan, Khalid Taghzouti, Oualid Abboussi
    Year: 2023 (December)
    Source: Neurotoxicity Research
    DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00671-2